DILG chief rebukes Undersecretary Diño

IN a clear rebuke to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) undersecretary for barangay affairs, Martin Diño and to some misguided members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Secretary Eduardo M. Año last April 20, 2021, released a statement stressing that local officials and law enforcers “should not interfere” in activities of the so-called ‘community pantry’ (CP) that has sprouted in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

“I have not ordered the PNP to look into the community pantries around the country,” the highly-respected former Armed Forces chief said.

He also noted that the project is a reflection of the Filipino’s “Bayanihan culture and spirit” especially during times of calamities and disasters.

“(For) as long as the intention is good and without political color, it should be encouraged and supported.

“Since this is a purely voluntary and private initiative, we should not interfere except to ensure that minimum health standards are complied with,” Año said, adding:

“As to the issue of whether organizers are required to secure barangay permits, organizers should consult with the concerned barangays if such is required.”

The DILG chief made the clarification after Diño, acting on his own and clearly without guidance from Año, claimed that CP organizers should first get a “permit” and “clearance” from their respective local government units.

The DILG secretary also reminded the PNP and the LGUs that the only time they can come in is “if there is any violation of law.”

Año also reminded CP organizers to always adhere to existing laws and local ordinances, especially those issued to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

On the other hand, the Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) thru its executive officer, Atty. Ralph Calinisan, said they would conduct an investigation over reports that some members of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), had resorted to ‘red-tagging’ Ana Patricia Non, the CP organizer in Bgy. Maginhawa.

“The People’s Law Enforcement Board of Quezon City will investigate the apparent red tagging incident on the organizers of the Community Pantry in Maginhawa.

“It is beyond comprehension why allegedly certain members of our PNP approached them to ask for the organizer’s cellphone number and her affiliations,” Calinisan said in a statement also last Calinisan added his office is open to assist Non, should she decide to file a complaint against the police.

“In Quezon City, abusive cops will not be tolerated. We will investigate this matter and get to the bottom of this,” Calinisan said further.

Aid distribution extended to May 15, 2021

Meanwhile, DILG undersecretary and spokesman, Jonathan Malaya, in a separate statement, said the national government has agreed to extend to May 15, 2021, the distribution of relief assistance, amounting to P22.9 billion, especially in the so-called “NCR Plus areas.”

Malaya said the decision was made after a consultation meeting last April 18, 2021, involving Año, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary, Rolando Bautista, Department of National Defense (DND) secretary, Delfin Lorenzana, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair, Benhur Abalos and mayors of Metro Manila.

“This extension is a ‘one-time’ extension only across all LGUs in NCR Plus and will no longer be extended anew,” Malaya clarified further.

Malaya said the request of the LGUs was granted to ensure the safety of the beneficiaries by strictly implementing minimum health standards during distribution.

“It is very challenging to do distribution during a pandemic. Our LGUs cannot go full blast given the grave threat of Covid-19 so their request for more time is justified,” he said.

Malaya also said that the extension should also give the LGUs time to address all complaints and appeals submitted to the LGU Grievance and Appeals Committee.

“Hundreds of appeals were submitted by people to the LGU Grievance and Appeals Committee and the LGUs need time to validate, investigate and decide on these appeals,” he added.

As of April 19, 2021, Malaya said a total of P5.79 billion, involving 5,769,852 beneficiaries across all the 17 LGUs in Metro Manila, out of the region’s total share of P11.1 billion.

“In just 13 days of actual distribution, our LGUs in Metro Manila have distributed P5.79 Billion. That is a significant accomplishment and we congratulate the Mayors for a job well done,” Malaya declared.

The top 5 LGUs with the highest distribution rate in NCR is Mandaluyong City at 74.32 percent (P270.9 Million); San Juan City at 63.78 percent (P98.42 Million); Caloocan City at 63.46 percent (P848 Million); Manila at 60 percent (P915.7 Million); and, Quezon City at 59.77 percent (P1.483 Billion).